The baby, still clutched to Scarlett's chest, began to wail, but the oxygen mask helped soothe her cries. Scarlett's gaze softened, and for a fleeting moment, the horrors outside faded from her mind.
"We'll get through this," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath, directed at the tiny life she was holding close.
From beyond their fragile shelter, the loud growls of monstrous creatures echoed, shaking walls and instilling a chilling fear into everyone's hearts. Despite this, the group worked together as best they could, cleaning the blood off the floor with disinfectant and disposing of the remains of Matthew's shredded arm through a narrow opening. All the while, Scarlett and Louise were engrossed in Matthew's treatment, their attention locked on saving him.
